His Royal Highness General Prince Haji Al Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah Friday consented to attend a High Tea Reception to mark His Royal Highness's 31st Birthday Anniversary. The function was organised by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Upon arrival at the Officer's Mess in Berakas Garrison, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Retired Major General Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba'asith and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

His Royal Highness consented to cut the birthday cake and receive a Pasambah from the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. At the function, His Royal Highness also consented to receive greetings from officers and staff of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was born on 17th February 1974 at the Istana Darul Hana. His Royal Highness was conferred the rank of General during His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam's visit to the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on the 25th March last year. It marked an important historic chapter for Brunei Darussalam, particularly for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. Before his departure, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness consented to sign the Parchment book.

Jerudong International School, JIS, Friday donated fifteen thousand dollars to the Brunei Darussalam Tsunami Victims' Relief Fund. Receiving the donation was the Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal. The donation was presented during the International Day Showcase Concert of Jerudong International School.

The money came from funds raised by several international school activities towards humanitarian help for survivors of tsunami victims.  His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen was among the JIS students and guests attending the function. The concert also featured traditional local and international musical presentations.

An association can be a platform to unite its members, especially youth, to be involved in developing the country and most importantly in the field of socio-economy for the significance of a nation. This was stressed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications while launching a Tsunami charity bazaar orgainsed by the ‘Kumpulan Rakyat dan Penduduk Prihatin, KRP-2’ of the Kampung Lambak Youth Association, PERBEKAL, Friday.

Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof bin Haji Hassan also urged other associations and welfare bodies to act as an incubator to nurture younger generation and to be a charismatic leader. Welfare activity that has been organised voluntarily will be able to inculcate pure value among the community, especially youth.

The function also coincided with the handing over of more than eight thousand dollars of donation from Jing Hua, The Mall Cineplex and International Environmental Consultancy Sdn Bhd. Eight thousand two hundred and thirty six dollars was collected from the premiering of Tsunami Victims Fund movies last month. The three-day bazaar, which begins at nine in the morning and lasts until nine in the evening, is being held at the Taman Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the capital.

Food lovers and members of the public are in for a treat, as the 'Big Makan 2005' food festival was officially launched Friday at the open space opposite the Royal Regalia building.

The main attraction of the day is Brunei Darussalam's longest 'Pizza John', measuring almost one hundred and eleven metres. Proceeds from the sale of the Pizza John will be donated to the Tsunami Relief Fund.

Teh tarik lovers also get a special demonstration of how to make their favourite drink. Mulaut Abbatoir is also cooking up a special treat for visitors at the 'Big Makan'. Over 500-kilograms of meat and 300kgs of chicken are being grilled and barbequed for members of the public. The three-day 'Big Makan' offers something for every member of the family and is open to members of the public from 10 in the morning until 10 in the evening.

Government officers and staff have been reminded of their responsibility in maintaining and enhancing the good image of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan Brunei Darussalam.  With the spirit of this new Hijrah year, the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office urged all government officers and staff to renew their determination to strengthen their working quality, based on the Islamic principles and teachings.

Pehin Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani was speaking at a Hijrah gathering of the Prime Minister's Office and the departments under it. Yang DiMuliakan Pehin reminded all departments and agencies under the Prime Minister's Office to re-evaluate their strategic planning and keep it inline with the ministry's strategic planning. He called on those departments or agencies who have yet to prepare for their strategic planning, to do so now, so as to set an example to other agencies

Yang DiMuliakan Pehin also announced that one of the important projects this year for the Prime Minister's Office and departments and agencies under it, is the implementation of PMONet project. Yang Dimuliakan Pehin said the project is being carried out in stages and will be in full use by the middle of this year. Organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the function was held Friday at the Public Service Institute in Gadong.